BILL ANALYSIS Ó AB 1937 Page 1 Date of Hearing: May 14, 2014 ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS Mike Gatto, Chair AB 1937 (Gordon) - As Amended: May 6, 2014 Policy Committee: Utilities and Commerce Vote: 12-0 Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: Yes Reimbursable: No SUMMARY This bill requires a gas corporation to provide at least three days notice to a school or hospital prior to performing excavation construction of gas pipeline maintenance or testing if the work is located within 500 feet of a school or hospital. FISCAL EFFECT Negligible state costs. COMMENTS 1)Rationale. According to the author, there are numerous locations throughout California where a gas pipeline exists on or adjacent to school and hospital property. However, there are no public noticing requirements to schools or hospitals in statute or regulations, regarding noticing when maintenance or pipeline testing is being performed. This bill requires gas corporations to provide not less than three days notice for excavation construction work to the administration of a school or hospital. 2)Background. In January 2014, a gas line ruptured on the campus of Mira Mesa middle school, forcing the shutdown of nearby roads and the use of emergency crews to contain the leak. San Diego Gas & Electric crews examined the size of the leak and stopped the flow of gas. The ruptured line was also in the vicinity of nearby Walker Elementary School and Miramar College. Investigators concluded that construction crews on campus hit the line with a backhoe. AB 1937 Page 2 In 2011, Century High School was evacuated and closed due to a gas leak. It was determined construction workers accidently severed a four-inch gas line. The leak was detrimental enough to close the school. The gas company sealed the leak within a few hours. 3)Amendments. Clarifying amendments are required to ensure the provisions of the bill to apply to nonemergency activities. Analysis Prepared by : Jennifer Galehouse / APPR. / (916) 319-2081